Question #f0ec1

1 Answer
Sep 13, 2016

Yes the chemical properties of isotopes are based on valance electrons there is no difference in chemical properties of isotopes.

Explanation:

For example Carbon 12 #C_6^12# the normal isotope of Carbon has the same chemical properties as Carbon 14 # C_6^14# .

Living things take in both Carbon 12 #C_6^12# and Carbon 14 #C_6^14#

The two isotopes of Carbon are used interchangeably in living things. Chemically they are the same.

The difference is that Carbon 14 # C_6^14# is radioactive and slowly changes to #N_7^14# . ( the half life is approximately 5,600 years)
The radioactive properties (not chemical properties) of Carbon 14 #C_6^14# are used to date how old a once living thing is.